The government has embarked on a multi-billion expansion programme for the Malindi International airport to enable large flights to land directly from Europe.
Transport Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera said the Sh5.6 billion upgrade plan for the airport is expected to boost the tourism industry at the Coast.
Mr Nyakera said that part of the Sh5.6 billion will be spent on compensating owners of the 259 hectares piece of land that the government intends to acquire for the runway project, adding that the extension of the runway from 1.4km to 2.5km would cost Sh2 billion.
The ministry is currently implementing phase one of the project which is 48 per cent complete, and is expected to be completed in December, this year.
Mr Nyakera said Sh400 million had been set aside for compensating landowners and 62 families occupying 25-hectare near the airport.
“The first phase includes expansion of the apron from 4,500 to 10,000 square metres, construction of a car park and a 7.5km security fence at a cost of Sh300 million. We plan to implement phase two of the expansion of the airport, which includes extension of the runway to 2.5km, to the tune of Sh5.6 billion in the next financial year,” said Nyakera.
“The expansion of the runway is crucial as it will enable the airport handle bigger aircraft and boost tourist arrivals in Kilifi.” he added.
Other works which will be done in the project include the expansion of the taxiway, control tower, fire and meteorological stations.